If your hair is dry, brittle, and breaking, you've probably got damage. Over styling, bi-weekly blowouts, and a number of other factors can wreak havoc on our strands. From rocking too tight braids to using too much heat, damage shows itself in split ends and dull, dry hair.

Kanye's lyrics are the soundtrack to our hair! We all want longer, stronger, healthier hair. Despite what you've been told, it is possible to grow long, healthy, natural hair. So what's the secret? Do you need herbs and spices? A special miracle oil? The juices and berries Prince Akeem used in Coming to America?

When I first began pondering my decision to go natural, I did several 'prep myself' sessions. This meant I inundated myself with everything natural. In retrospect, these 'prep myself' sessions were good because they gave me some information about what to expect after my big chop and what products to use on my hair. On the other hand, these sessions served as somewhat of a wish-list for what I thought would surely happen during my process. The following are my tips for how to deal with the unexpected when going natural:Read On!>>>

Cutting off all your hair can be the stuff nightmares are made of for most women. Despite that fact, more and more women are big chopping to join team natural.

As they should be! Going natural can be the most exhilarating, and according to many women, the best decision one can make. A little preparation will help to make the journey to natural as smooth as possible. Read on for a few must-haves you'll need in your big chopper arsenal.

1. Start a Hair Diary or Journal
Writing a Diary may sound a little “High School” to some but it can really be helpful in your journey. Documenting and maintaining the products you’ve used and the results they delivered will help you keep track of what your hair likes. You can set goals and log results, good and bad. Does your hair like oil based or water based products best? Do certain oils do nothing for your hair? This will aid in your quest for the perfect product combinations.

In part 1 of the Going Natural Series, we talked about what is known in the commonwealth of natural hair as “the big chop”, which is the act of cutting all of the relaxed hair off in one fell swoop, and leaving only the new growth. In terms of the process, this is the “all in” option, similar to jumping in to the mosh pit. There is no easing in and for many is a pivotal moment in their personal hair-volution. There is a sense of urgency that comes with it as it is immediate, bold and deliberate and should be treaded lightly if your choose this route.Know what you're getting into
Dealing with a new head of hair can be nothing short of intimidating. If you have not dealt with your mane on this level, it stands to reason that you don’t know what to expect. The entire “going natural” process comes with a good degree of unpredictability and in recognizing that, give yourself permission to “not know”. Sometimes we are uncomfortable with being vulnerable and entering unknown territory; however, there is beauty in vulnerability. It provides the opportunity to allow the process to happen organically. Brace Yourself
Debuting your new closely cropped mane will draw many reactions from your family, peers and strangers; particularly if your relaxed hair was a particular length. There are many mixed messages sent about what is beautiful and long hair is almost worshiped in our society. Although it is sometimes easier said than done, own your new look and the confidence will follow, if not be parallel. While we all seek some form of acceptance, do not seek validation and know that your value is not tied up in what others think about your hair.Don’t Take It Too Serious
Enjoy your hair and the freedom that it represents and let that be the end of it. Jill Scott gets to the heart of when speaking about her big chop; “This is the simplest form of myself. I look in the mirror and its like, ‘Hey, there you go. What’s up, girl?’ For me, hair is an accoutrement. Hair is jewelry. It’s an accessory. “

As discussed in part 1 of the Going Natural Series, the Methods, transitioning is a gradual modulation from chemically altered to hair in its natural form. Matriculation presents multiple challenges; however, when armed with ample artillery, those challenges can be met with optimism and confidence.

One of the major challenges of transitioning is how to style your mane. How do I maintain my fly while crossing over? Treating your multiple textures in the same manner as when you are actively applying chemical relaxers will yield less desirable results, as such, it is important to alter your styling habits. Choosing looks that will aid in blending the textures of your coils will not only give a more pleasing aesthetic, but will also do wonders for handling the line of demarcation. Here are few common ones that can be mastered with practice:

• Twists or braids/cornrows – two strand twists or braids are a great option to display the versatility and individuality natural hair presents. Both can be sophisticated and simple or elaborate and intricate and serve as a means of protection at the same time.

• Twist outs or braid outs – two extremely popular styling methods which provide a bold look with as much or as little definition as you prefer. Perfect for playing up the natural texture and blending the old with the new.

• Weave/Wigs/Extensions – many transitioners find that this option helps ease the transitioning process. All of these can be appealing protective styles, minimize manipulation and give your coils a break.*Honorable mention to flexi rod sets, bantu knots and updos.

Styling is limited only by imagination.

It is also important to note that the hair in its natural state, particularly during the transitioning phase, is extremely fragile and vulnerable to breakage and shedding and should be handled with extreme care. Eliminating or limiting heat exposure, minimal manipulation and maintaining moisture levels are imperative to a healthy mane.

The phrase “going natural” implies some sort of excursion or exploitation and in fact, it is indeed an adventure. A journey of sorts; with multiple paths, detours and diversions along the way. The decision to eliminate chemicals from your hair life, is a personal one and can be intimidating, as such, each journey is unique. Let’s examine the two distinctive options:

TRANSITIONING

Transitioning is loosely defined as moving from one phase to the next. Under the natural hair jurisdiction it is a gradual modulation from chemically altered to hair in its natural form. It is a process in which you must be fully engaged in order to be successful.

Benefits
• The most cited benefit of transitioning is you are afforded the luxury of maintaining length. Hair is cut off over a period of time until all of the chemically relaxed hair no longer exists.
• Provides the opportunity to change your mental state and adjust accordingly to your new mane. This unique shift in dynamic requires a different way of viewing oneself and one’s hair.

Disadvantages
• One of the biggest disadvantages is the dichotomy that exists while transitioning. Dealing with the hair that is relaxed/chemically altered and the new natural hair that is growing in presents huge challenges, such as breakage and shedding and conquering the infamous line of demarcation.
• This option does require a lot of time and patience so you must be able to believe in things unseen, in other words, have faith that the outcome will be worth it.

THE BIG CHOP

The big chop refers to the act of cutting all of the relaxed hair off in one fell swoop, and leaving only the new growth. In terms of going natural, this is the “all in” option and is not to be entered lightly. I liken it to pulling off a band-aid rapidly; quick and speedy with no chaser. It is bold and aggressive while still maintaining a sense of vulnerability.

Benefits
• Satisfies those who hunger for instant gratification; in that the state of natural is achieved instantly.
• A clean slate – this allows you the opportunity to start off with a fresh, new head of textured hair with infinite possibilities.

Disadvantages
• It is transparent. The option to hide behind your tresses is no longer available.

There is no right or wrong way to go natural, however I've observed (from emails and 4 years of blogging) that some women who choose to slowly transition rather than spontaneously big chop, are more likely to be happier with their decision and are also more likely to stay natural. This may be because some long-term or slow transitioners have the time to arm themselves with styling techniques, natural hair care information and the proper tools... they go into this thing prepared.

But at the end of the day, as with most things in life, do you boo boo! Just make sure, whether you're big chopping after a week, or 2 year transition, that your arsenal is stocked and you're fully prepared 'cause the road can at times be bumpy! God speed!

Sponsored

CurlyNikki.com

The views expressed on curlynikki.com belong to the blogger Nikki Walton and do not necessarily reflect the views of advertisers, their affiliates or any of the brands discussed or featured on curlynikki.com.